Author Questions Faith Crisis Linked to Coalition Politics
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Shlomo Kook, editor of the 'Be'kehilah' weekly, argues that Jewish faith is not contingent on political coalitions, refuting claims of a "faith crisis" linked to election outcomes. He criticizes the notion that religious observance depends on political alliances, citing historical resilience and internal disagreements within religious parties over legislative matters. Kook points out the double standard where dialogue between religious parties and other blocs is deemed a threat, while similar political maneuvering by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is accepted. He concludes that core religious practices and unity will persist despite political fluctuations.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Author Shlomo Kook disputes the idea of a "faith crisis" caused by Israeli election results.
- He argues Jewish faith has survived millennia and doesn't need political validation.
- Opposition from Likud and Religious Zionist MKs hindered legislation for yeshiva students.
- Kook questions why Haredi engagement with other blocs is seen as a threat to faith.
- He notes Prime Minister Netanyahu has also sought alliances across political divides.
- The author emphasizes enduring religious commitment regardless of coalition changes.
Shlomo Kook, editor-in-chief of the weekly 'Be'kehilah,' questions the notion of a "faith crisis" stemming from election results, arguing that Jewish faith has endured millennia of persecution and does not require validation from any political bloc. He was prompted by a segment on the program 'HaPatriotim' where host Yinon Magal suggested a traditional Jew was praying less due to a "faith crisis" caused by the possibility of the United Torah Judaism party joining a government with the "change bloc." Kook contends that Jewish faith is not dependent on coalition makeup, citing historical examples of religious observance independent of political figures.
Kook further points to internal disagreements within the religious bloc regarding the arrangement for yeshiva students' military service. He notes that Rabbi Dov Lando, spiritual leader of Degel HaTorah, declared the party was not part of the Netanyahu bloc due to broken promises on this issue. Kook recounts a personal meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after October 7th, where Netanyahu pledged to secure coalition support for the yeshiva students' arrangement within months. Despite signed agreements and explicit promises, the arrangement failed to materialize, partly due to opposition from Likud and Religious Zionist Knesset members, including those with knitted kippahs, who advocated for actual conscription.
Kook highlights the irony that while deep ideological differences exist within the "faith bloc" on this sensitive issue, no one declared a faith crisis or ceased religious observance. He contrasts this with the criticism faced by the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public when they engage with other political blocs, suggesting it implies an expectation for them to exclusively align with one political camp. Kook observes that even within the "change bloc," there are individuals with diverse religious affiliations, yet no one demands they pledge allegiance to a single political ideology.
The author also notes that Netanyahu himself has called for a unity government with parties from the "change bloc," questioning why such dialogue is permissible for him but not for the Haredi community. He recalls Netanyahu forming a government with Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett in 2013, leaving his Haredi allies behind. Kook suggests that negotiations between the Haredi parties and the "change bloc" are facing significant hurdles due to disagreements over the status of Torah students and maintaining the status quo, potentially leading to the talks' collapse. He concludes by emphasizing that regardless of political shifts, the commitment to Torah study, prayer, and mutual love will endure, likening it to the biblical story of Isaac and Rebecca praying in different corners but to the same God.
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